For couples in the UK, poor sperm quality is the primary cause of approximately 20% of fertility problems. A further 25% of couples have trouble conceiving at least partially due to male sub-fertility. Evaluating semen and sperm quality is therefore the first and most obvious stage in trying to understand the cause of male sub-fertility.

The second stage is to look how to improve fertility. In many instances there is a range of medical options. However, focusing on good nutrition and certain nutrients can naturally improve fertility, plus enhance overall health and well-being.

Discover how good your sperm is by learning about

What you will learn

What semen analysis is and how can it help you
Its key readings count, morphology, motility, antibodies, volume, white blood cells and other parameters What you can do to improve your readings if they are diagnosed “suboptimal

What is Semen Analysis?

The most effective way to determine the health of sperm is through a detailed analysis of a fresh semen sample. Results from semen analysis can help to identify specific fertility problems and steps that can be taken to improve fertility.

Although semen may be released in high volume, only 5% is made up of sperm. The remaining semen contains a range of fluids that are secreted throughout the genital tract. The highest percentage of sperm is concentrated within the first stage of ejaculation. This sperm is also the most mobile and more likely to fertilize the egg.

It’s important to understand that a semen analysis isn’t a complete fertility assessment. It’s not possible to assess all aspects of sperm function, such as the ability to find and fertilize an egg for example.

Also, if the results indicate poor fertility, it doesn’t necessarily mean that natural conception isn’t possible. The ability to conceive will decline with increasing semen defects, although in most instances, there are steps that can be taken to improve semen health.

What actually happens?

Once the male has produced a sample, several aspects of the semen are investigated. The number of sperm (concentration), their shape (morphology) and movement (motility) are evaluated, as well as characteristics of the fluid, such as volume, white blood cell count and antibodies.

It’s important to mention that semen quality can be very variable between samples. For this reason, two or three samples are required to get an accurate analysis of semen quality and fertility. These samples should be provided several weeks apart.

Also, illness can impair semen count and function. It can take several months for semen quality to return to normal, especially after a high fever. In this case, specimens should be provided after a few months to ensure a more accurate result.

The figures below summarise the normal range for each of these parameters.

Sperm Concentration >20 million sperm/ml.

Sperm Morphology >15% normal forms

Sperm Motility >50% with forward movement

Sperm Antibodies <50% sperm with adherent particles

Semen Volume >2.0 ml.

White Blood Cells <1 million cells/ml.

Understanding Semen Analysis Results

Sperm Concentration

Sperm concentration or count is determined by how many sperm are present within each millilitre of semen. A concentration in excess of 20 million sperm per millilitre is considered a healthy sperm count. Any figure below this is classified as a low sperm count (oligozoospermia).

If no sperm is found in the analysis it’s possible that there is an obstruction preventing sperm flow or an absence of sperm production. Termed azoospermia, this medical condition affects approximately 2% of the male population.

Sperm Morphology

The ability to fertilize an egg is partly determined by sperm morphology. During semen analysis, sperm is expertly analysed under a microscope to assess tail, middle and head shape and proportions.

In humans, the ideal sperm shape, defined as ‘normal’ sperm, is not produced in high concentrations, thus the lower limit of 15% normal sperm is considered acceptable. Once the percentage of normal sperm falls below 15% fertility also declines. Men with a normal sperm percentage of less than 5% will find conception especially difficult.

Sperm Motility

Although low sperm count is the most common reason for poor fertility, low sperm motility (asthenospermia) can also be a problem. Often these two characteristics occur together, making conception extra challenging.

A man is considered fertile by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines if he has a minimum “progressive motility”, i.e. grade a+b. of 32%, equivalent to 4.8 million/ml of semen (minimum WHO requirement sperm count of 15 million per ml x 32%). Vitality must be a minimum of 60% live spermatozoa1.

Factors that can affect sperm motility include structural problems associated with the tail, sperm death (necrospermia) and autoimmunity against sperm.

Sperm Antibodies

This condition accounts for approximately 6% of male infertility. Sperm autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system attacks sperm as part of its natural defence mechanism against foreign organisms and substances.

Although sperm are normally protected from the immune system, some men produce antibodies that target sperm and reduce their lifespan. They attach to the surface of the sperm, reducing motility and the ability to penetrate the egg.

These antibodies can develop following some form of testicular trauma or surgery, such as a vasectomy. In many causes it isn’t possible to determine the trigger for the development of sperm antibodies. A simple immunobead test is done during semen analysis to detect concentration of antisperm antibodies.

Semen Volume

The volume of semen produced is measured to determine if there is a blockage of the seminal vesicles. Volumes less than 2 millilitres may indicate an obstruction preventing sufficient sperm concentration within semen and reducing fertility.

The most common cause of low semen volume is hormone imbalances. As men age, a decline in male sexual hormones will lead to the body producing less semen. Nutritional deficiencies, illness, injuries to the testicles, and infrequent sexual activity also reduce semen volume.

White Blood Cell Count

A high white cell blood count (greater than 1 million cells per millilitre) may be indicative of a genital tract infection which can damage sperm. Even though there may be no noticeable symptoms of an infection, a high white blood cell count will warrant further investigation and a possible course of antibiotics.

Other Semen Measurements

In addition to assessing white blood cell count, sperm vitality is also measured. A low percentage of living sperm can also suggest an infection or problems moving through the genital tract.

pH and fructose levels are also measured. Acidic semen (low pH) and/or the absence of fructose may suggest a blockage within the seminal vesicles and an alcaline semen (high pH) could indicate an infection. A pH between 7.2 and 7.8 is considered healthy.

Summary

Sub-fertility in men is very common and can be a source of anxiety. Undertaking a semen analysis will help to identify any problems with sperm production and sperm quality. Although semen screening can’t identify all potential causes for sub-fertility it will highlight the most common causes, such as a low sperm count, poor motility and morphology problems. By understanding the exact condition, it’s possible to take steps to improve fertility.

Take Action

Whether your semen has already been found suboptimal OR you have recently decided for a baby, you can take action immediately. Small simple changes will help improve your swimmers and maximise your current chance of pregnancy:

Male fertility supplements are free of side effects, become effective after three to six months and are proven to increase sperm count by up to 215%, ejaculate volume by up to 33% and sperm motility by up to 23%2. Finally, they are relatively affordable. Whilst a varied diet is essential, supplements are able to deliver key nutrients in the required quantities more effectively and efficiently than any regular diet.

Due to the lack of side effects to this form of natural ‘sperm boosting’, men who have not been diagnosed with suboptimal semen analysis readings. They will benefit from supplementing micronutrients to ensure they can deliver high-quality semen.

The UK market has on offer a considerable range of male fertility supplements. However, the products differ widely in terms of nutrients andprice.

Menfertility.org has carefully compared 11 of them in terms of value for money and the nutrient formula they provide.

Dear Mohan,
generally spoken we are a bit confused why you did not receive a proper and in-depth explanation from your physician. To us it looks like the sperm density is low or on the edge. According to new WHO standards it´s OK (above 15 Mio per ml), according to the previous standards of WHO it would be a bit low. You should verify the PUS Cells, which are white blood cells. It could mean that there is an infection. But please verify this with your physician.
Damien from menfertility.org

My partner and I have been trying to conceive for 18 months and he has done one semen sample that came back showing he had around 15 million sperm per ml and that that quality was low…basic info I know, I wasn’t at the appointment when he got his results and this is all i’ve been told. Do you know if the male fertility supplements could help with this kind of issue?

The short answer to your question is, yes – any male fertility supplement with the amino acid Arginine will increase sperm count. You can read my article on this here. Other sperm count nutrients are Glutathione and Carnitine (also basic, natural amino acids) and vitamins B9 (aka folic acid), B12 and omega-3s.

The longer answer is that a sperm count of 15 million per ml is the World Health Organisation’s threshold between fertility and infertility. That number alone, however, does not tell you much. At the very least you also need to know his “% normal forms” (i.e. shape = morphology) and “forward movement” (i.e. motility = how many move either zig-zag or straight forward).

I suggest your partner gets at least two (better three to eliminate statistical outliers as sperm quality fluctuated a lot) professional semen analysis done at your nearest best fertility clinic. Buy the best combination supplement, which has these nutrients and which you can afford, because they include other nutrients (e.g. like anti-oxidants), which improve his morphology and motility too.

Click here to find a clinic in the UK based on your location. In terms of costs you should expect around £100 per analysis. Perhaps bargain with them and try to get 3 for the price of 2.

Be wary when they want to sell you IVF or similar invasive treatments. Obviously you do have to make that sure that both you and your partner are fertile, so do get all the checks done by your gyno and urologist (get a referral from his GP).

Before you do invasive treatments like IVF, ICSI etc give yourself another 9-12 months and try naturally. Several of my readers have told me that yoga seems to have really worked for them in combo with diet, supplements and lifestyle (cold showers) etc.

Dear Dasun, This report indicates that you are subfertile, because you have a very low sperm count (you have less than 1m per millilitre, whereas the minimum is 20 million per millilitre) and low motility (10.5% rapidly progressive + progressive, whereas the WHO defines 32% as the minimum). Based on this information, you therefore currently have a very low probability to successfully father a child. FYI – The other parameters are fine. Please google the WHO and NICE guidelines for further info.

I would advise seeing a fertility specialist for additional semen analysis, because one analysis is only a snapshot and its quality can severely fluctuate (do at least another one, better 2 about three weeks apart. Secondly, such a low sperm count may indicate other, more significant health issues, which I cannot advise you on from here.

If the specialist cannot diagnose significant issues affecting your reproductive system and you actively are trying to father a child, a male fertility food supplement will help you increase both your count and motility (quality of sperm movement). Good luck!

Sir my report shows I have a sperm count of 11million, ph of 8, 66% of live spermatozoids, 6% abnormal and a fertility index of 1billion. I have a son already of about 5uears old. But I have been trying for about 18months to no avail. Can U please advice me on what next to do?

Dear Paul, your sperm count is suboptimal (=anything under 20million per millilitre is low according to the World Health Organisation) and your ph is high (anything above 8 is considered high). My best advice is to take a fertility supplement, which is high in Carnitine, Arginine, Glutathione, vitamin B12, vitamin B9 (folic acid) and take (up to 500 mg each) of omega-3 acids EPA and DHA. Do this for at least 3 months as it takes this long for the nutrients to affect the sperm you ejaculate.

Also, google the phrase “how to reduce ph in semen” and take action accordingly. Time your intercourse around her ovulation. Make sure you discuss this with your doctor, ideally under supervision of a fertility expert. Good luck!

John, thanks for your enquiry. Anyway, your doctor should have given you advice when he showed the results to you. Please read tise article for some basic advice. For improving your sperm count and motility as well as morphology, please see our comparison of some products we can recommend in general.

Dear pat, only your semen volume is slightly suboptimal. The WHO fertility guidelines suggest 1.50 ml as the acceptable minimum. To improve your semen volume naturally you could consider consuming additional arginine, which benefits make fertility both directly by improving semen volume / more ejaculate, higher sperm count and better motility) as well as indirectly by improving erectile function and general health. For more information, please read this page.

Dear Reed, these results look fine: sperm count, shapes and movement are above the WHO minimums. There are, however, some parameters missing such as semen volume and ph. If you are trying to father a child, remember that getting pregnant is a “probability-based” numbers game so we suggest you follow the lifestyle, food and supplement guidelines to maximise your probabilities until your partner successfully conceives. I hope that makes sense. Good luck!

Dear Reed, this is an incomplete set of information, which we cannot comment on. If you would like feedback please send us all the key parameters of your semen analysis including count, progression, shapes / % normal forms etc

Dear SANKAR AM, getting your partner pregnant is possible for you, but based on these results with a very low probability. This is because your sperm movement (progression) is extremely low: your combined “rapid progressive” + “moderately progressive” should be 32%, which is the WHO minimum benchmark. Yours is only 0.5% in this semen analysis. The good news is that it can be improved naturally (please follow our tips & guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, food and supplements) and that your other semen analysis parameters are fine. We suggest you do another 1-2 semen analysis over the next few weeks to make sure your current results are reliable. One option for you would be an artificial insemination treatment called ICSI. Please consult your local general physician / fertility specialist and do your own research. Good luck!

Dear Jeffrey, based on these parameters your semen is of excellent quality and should not stop you from fathering a child. The numbers all exceed the World Health organisation minimums by a significant margin. Good luck!

Dear Kenneth, “Teratozoospermia” means your sperm is abnormally shaped. The causes are often not clear. In general, antioxidative supplements may have a positive effect. Anyway, please consult your physician who did the semen analysis.
*** WE WILL NOT ANSWER FURTHER QUESTIONS TO INDIVIDUAL SEMEN ANALYSIS. COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN ***

Dear Sr.
My husbands physician sent my husband his semen analysis via mail and told him he has too take the analysis results to a infertility Dr. So we are assuming that he is in fact having infertility issues. We don’t know what to make of the analyst results. I was looking on the Internet to see what I could find out while I’m also looking for an infertility doctor but meanwhile I will like to know what you can tell me about it if you will be kind. Thank you in advance

Dear Marcy, two of his readings are low: his normal forms are at 5%, just one 1% above the WHO minimum and his progressive motility (A+B) is in fact below the WHO minimum of 32% (i.e. rapid + slow). On the positive side his sperm count / concentration is high at 9 times (yes, 900%) the WHO minimum, which to an extend compensates for the other two low readings. I recommend you do some research on how to specifically increase sperm motility (movement) and morphology (shapes). The lifestyle changes, including diet and supplements are a good place to start. Don’t forget that getting pregnant is a numbers game: do everything you can to maximise your chances and don’t give up. Good luck!

Hello, the interpretation of the semen analysis should be done by the physisian who took the semen analysis. We cannot deliver the service (for free) to interpret individual semen analysis results. For general reference, please read the information on our website. Thanks.

Dear Ken, both your sperm count and your motility are below the WHO minimum thresholds of 20 x 1,000,000 and 42% respectively. That does not mean that you are infertile, it just means that there are less top quality sperm cells in absolute numbers. That means in practise that you have a lower probability that a healthy sperm sperm cell of yours will fertility your partners egg. We suggest (1) you get another semen analysis done now to confirm those results, (2) you spend some time on this website, implement all the lifestyle changes & tips (sleep more, less stress, yoga, meditation, better food, no cigarettes and alcohol, take a male fertility supplement) and (3) have another semen analysis in three months time. Chances are that your sperm count and motility will improve. Make sure that you get the ovulation time window of your partner right and have intercourse every 12h during that time). Good luck & don’t give up!

Your motility is 7% under the WHP minimum (32%). Implement the lifestyle changes and take an amino acid based male fertility food supplement for minimum three months ideally until successful conception. Good luck!

Please refer to the physician who took the semen analysis. For general information, please take a look at our website. Please note that we do not provide specific analysis or consultation. Future comments of similar individual requests will be deleted directly since they do not add value for other readers. Thanks for your understanding.

Dear Sam, according to this data you are fertile. If you have been struggling to conceive naturally for more than 12 months, please refer to these official UK guidelines – http://cks.nice.org.uk/infertility#!scenario and discuss these with your GP or fertility clinic. Good luck!

Dear Prince, we are neither able nor allowed to provide you with a remote diagnosis. However, we strongly recommend that you discuss these results with your GP and get a referral to an NHS fertility specialist. Good luck!

Dear Jonathan, your semen volume is below the WHO minimum of 1.5ml, but your other parameters seem fine fine. A supplement with the amino acid Arginine will be of benefit you. Do please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Good luck!

dear Dr. Jones, it’s understandable that you expect the doctor who did the test to interpret same to the patient but due to the sensitive nature of this issue and the crushing effect it has on a man’s ego it’s more convenient to seek a more discreet answer devoid of the face to face embarrassment. I’m confused about my result(please see below) especially the culture, sensitivity and resistant part….please be kind enough to help

Dear Shola, don’t worry too much about the sensitivity / resistant / culture analysis. More relevant is your sperm count, because it is below the WHO minimum of 20m per ml. However, your other parameters are very good – excellent and compensate for the low count so you are statistically fertile. If you are still struggling to father a child naturally after 12 months please consult a fertility specialist in person. Good luck!

You are statistically fertile, although your mobility could be better. I recommend (1) completing a further semen analysis in 3 weeks to exclude statistical outliers, (2) keep trying getting pregnant naturally for at least 12 months, (3) following all our lifestyle tips to maximise fertility. Good luck!

dear doctor, got married last may. still we are issueless. had my semen analysis this Jan and April. both gave similar results. vol: 4ml, conc: 50mil/cc, motility: 35%, fast: 25%, morphology: 50% normal. alkaline, pus cells: positive. want to know whether this is OK as per who norms. is the total motile sperm count is OK to make my wife pregnant? plz help. this is creating problems in my family.

Dear Lawrence, you are statistically fertile, but keep in mind that it is only a probability. I suggest you follow all the tips (incl. supplements, yoga and meditation, bluetooth off etc.), make sure your partner knows exactly when she is ovulating and time your intercourse according to this. Do this for 12 months at least before you go to a fertility clinic. The psychological stress of not conceiving can be significant so please advise your family to not create pressure. Good luck!

Dear John, your motility could be higher, but the good news is that according to this data you are statistically fertile. Keep in mind that it is only a probability, however. I suggest you follow all the tips (incl. yoga + meditation, bluetooth off, supplements etc.), make sure your partner knows exactly when she is ovulating and time your intercourse according to this. Do this for 12 months at least before you go to a fertility clinic. Good luck!

Dear Asad, congratulations – you are statistically fertile. Keep in mind that this is a statistic probability, so you still need to do everything you can to maximise this probability. Make sure you time intercourse exactly around your partner’s ovulation date. Good luck!

i am 28 year old and i am 8 month married and and I got my semen analysis test report and its detailed bellow plz help me understand the result it is good and healthy, if there is a problem what should i do plz give advice.

Dear Willie, your sperm count is below the WHO minimum of 20 mil/ml. Do your own research on how to boost sperm count (diet and lifestyle tips), but I would certainly include a male fertility food supplement, because that will simultaneously boost your sperm volume, motility and morphology/shapes. This is advisable, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I hope that makes sense. Good luck!

Dear Bode, your sperm motility and sperm count are below the WHO minimums, which are 32% (you have 30%) and 20 million / ml (you have 4) respecitvely. This does not mean that you are infertile, but it does mean that you are “statistically sub-fertile”. The good news is you can increase both parameters through lifestyle and diet improvements. I suggest you follow the advice in these two articles for 6 months and then do a further semen analysis. You will most likely find that your results and therefore your fertility will have improved.
1. https://menfertility.org/ten-tips-to-produce-more-sperm/
2. https://menfertility.org/male-fertility-supplements-review/

Dear Patrick, your semen volume is a bit low. Take an Arginine-rich supplement for three months and make sure you abstain for three days before you have intercourse with your partner on the night before her ovulation day. Then have intercourse again in the morning of ovulation day, again the night of ovulation day and a final and fourth time in the morning after ovulation day. Your other key readings (count, %progressive movement and morphology/shapes) are all in the normal range so you are statistically fertile. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Dear Suraj, 1. can you please confirm that the volume is 0.5 ml? 2. Your list is missing an important parameter for % normal forms = the quality of sperm shapes, also called morphology. Can you confirm both numbers please?

Dear Alex, you are statistically fertile and should be able to father a child. Make sure you time intercourse around your partner’s ovulation, watch your diet/lifestyle. We also advise taking a male fertility supplement to boost your fertility parameters and thus your probability of fertilisation. Good luck!

Dear David, you are statistically fertile and should be able to father a child. Make sure you time intercourse around your partner’s ovulation, watch your diet/lifestyle. We also advise taking a male fertility supplement to boost your fertility parameters and thus your probability of fertilisation further. Good luck!

Dear Anjani, your key parameters are good – all within the normal WHO range, except for your motility (Grade A, B, C). Grade A + B should be 32%+ and you are only just below that so statistically you are still able to father a child. Take a motility-enhancing supplement for 3 months+, live a clean lifestyle and make sure you time your intercourse around your partner’s ovulation date. Best of luck!

Dear sir
I have taken seamen analysis and reported as count/concentration 120million/ml
Motality: dead=65%
Semi slugish=20%
Slugish=10%
Full motile=5%
Puss cell= 8-10/HPF
Red cell=1-2/hpf
Ph=8.0
Please tell me what is the problem because i think i have low motile count.

You have an interesting semen analysis: Yes, your motility is low. Your combined Fully Motile and Sluggish percentages should be at least 32%, which is the WHO minimum. The sum of your two parameters with 15% is just under half that value.

However, your sperm count is a whopping 6 times the WHO minimum (20 million / ml). That means that you have 120 million / ml x 15% fully or sluggishly motile sperm / ml = 18 million fully or sluggishly motile sperm / ml of semen. This certainly puts you back into the normal range.

Unfortunately you did not provide a measure of morphology / shapes / appearance of your sperm, often called “% normal forms”. This is an important measure to work out the total figure of how many normally formed, motile sperm you have per millilitre of semen.

Kindly respond with this figure so I can provide you a more comprehensive opinion. Kind regards, Dr Jones

Thanks for your reply, acrosmal cap= 55%
abnormal heads=04%
mid pieces = 60%
tails= 65%
Doctor this analysis report is of 48 hours from the sexual intercourse, but my concern is why the sperm are dead, i have checked for vercecole, but it is negative, doctor told me that it can happen, please any advice so i can naturally increase these things.

Dear Khan, a few points here: 1. yes – you do only have 5% normally motive sperm, but I argue that your high total count compensates for that. Either way, you want to increase your sperm motility and reduce the % of dead sperm. I cannot give you a diagnosis for that and recommend you go and see your local fertility specialist. 2. The time between sperm sample and intercourse is only relevant if you timed intercourse according to your partner’s ovulation. 3. Your morphology seems fine.

My recommendation: 1. make sure your partner works out the exact day of her ovulation and have intercourse the night before, 2 on the day and again the morning after. Abstain for 2 days prior to that. 2. Take a male fertility supplement to improve your key readings. 3. lead a clean and healthy lifestyle with regular low-impact exercise. 4. Do not stress and enjoy the journey.

Dear Larr, your key readings are excellent, only your semen volume is a little low, albeit still in the normal range: the WHO mimum is 1.5ml. You are certainly a fertile man according to the basic criteria. We recomment 1. taking a supplement high in Arginine (an amino acid proven to elevate semen volume amongst other sperm quality parameters) and 2. staying abstinent for 3 days prior to your partners ovulation date. Best of luck!

Hi, my query is slightly different to most above as I am interpreting post vasectomy SA results. My physician has just given me the result of my 4th post-vasectomy test as “one sperm observed in 15/hpf”. The previous tests were one in 10/hpf. It has been 8 months since vasectomy. The physician hasn’t given me any indication as to what this actually means relative to average fertility or what the risk of pregnancy is with these results. Any insight appreciated.

Dear Martin, Thank you for getting in touch. We cannot advise you on this unfortunately due to a lack of comprehensive diagnosis on our end. We strongly advise to discuss this with a local fertility specialist. Good luck!

I have read some assessment over sperm count and i have a recent check up as well but my doctor just said it was fine…
Hallo doctor jones, if you could kindly explaine to me my finding as well and the following are :

Dear Jemel, your key readings (volume, density and motility) are all good, except for your normal forms morphology. That should be at least 4% according to the WHO guidelines. You are still fertile (esp because your density/count and motility readings are double the WHO minimum), but your statistical probability to father a child is thus slightly reduced. We recommend taking a fertility supplement, timing intercourse around your partner’s ovulation and staying in good spirit! Best of luck!

Dear Tobias, the short answer is yes, because both methods utilise sperm isolation techniques. This means that the best sperm cells get isolated and used to fertilise an egg cell. In other words you only need a few top quality cells, rather than millions. And you will certainly have a few good ones – I hope that makes sense. Your overall semen profile therefore is less important. For any logistics please work with your local fertility specialist. Best of luck!

Dear Ismael, you have low morphology (3% instead fo the 4% WHO minimum) and low motility (rapid + slow needs to be minimum 32%). The best thing you can do for now is improve your lifestyle: low impact sports, green / wholefood diet + a male fertility supplement. You need to do this for a minimum of 3 months as this is how long new sperm cells take to mature. Continue until with this lifestyle until you have achieved pregnancy. Best of luck

Dear Alex, you have low count (should be minimum 20 million / ml) and borderline low motility (active progressive + active random should be minimum 32% and yours is 32%). Dont worry too much though! Semen analysis results fluctuate significantly on a weekly basis based on your activity levels and diet. You are still fertile. What you need to do is 1. improve your lifestyle: low impact sports, green / wholefood diet + a male fertility supplement. You need to do this for a minimum of 3 months as this is how long new sperm cells take to mature. Continue until with this lifestyle until you have achieved pregnancy. 2. Time your intercourse around the day of your partner’s ovulation. Have intercourse the day before ovulation, twice on the day of ovulation and a fourth time the morning after ovulation day. You should abstain for 3 days before this so your first orgasm has elevated semen volume. Your partner needs to learn to exactly predict this small ovulation time window use multiple techniques simultaneously. I recommend Body Basal Temperature + tracking her cycle with an app (just google “best Period Tracking App”) + urine strips to measure her “LH-surge”. Do your own research. 3. Stay positive and enjoy the journey with your partner. Best of luck

Gary, congratulations – you are a very fertile man. All your key parameters are substantially above the minimum thresholds. Make sure you get your timing right and make sure your lifestyle is clean. Best of luck!

Your morphology and count are both excellent (1200% and 400% over the minimum respectively), however, your motility is slightly low: the most motile (actively motile) should be 32%+. Technically you should be fertile, but you still need to do what you can to maximise your chances. Please follow my usual advice:

1. improve your lifestyle: low impact sports, green / wholefood diet + a male fertility supplement. You need to do this for a minimum of 3 months as this is how long new sperm cells take to mature. Continue until with this lifestyle until you have achieved pregnancy. 2. Time your intercourse around the day of your partner’s ovulation. Have intercourse the day before ovulation, twice on the day of ovulation and a fourth time the morning after ovulation day. You should abstain for 3 days before this so your first orgasm has elevated semen volume. Your partner needs to learn to exactly predict this small ovulation time window use multiple techniques simultaneously. I recommend Body Basal Temperature + tracking her cycle with an app (just google “best Period Tracking App”) + urine strips to measure her “LH-surge”. Do your own research. 3. Stay positive and enjoy the journey with your partner. Best of luck

Hello Dr. Jones. Its coming to 9 months of trying though me and my wife live in different regions of the country., Meeting on her fertile days hasnt been easy but i am still trying though still with no results. so we decided to take some tests as below :

Dear Dwight, your analysis looks good to me. All your key parameters are above WHO minimums (your count and morphology are 500% and 1600% of the minimums) so statistically you are a fertile man. Keep trying, enjoy the journey, don’t give up. 9 months is still very much within normal timeframes. Best of luck!

Dear Ameen, your count and morphology are good, but your motility is only just above the minimum: Combined rapid + slow progression must be minimum 32%. The sum of yours is 35%, but rapid is quite low at 15%. Bottom line is that you are fertile and that is good news! please follow my usual advice: 1. both you and your partner need to improve your lifestyle: low impact sports, green / wholefood diet (as little sugar as possible!) + take a male fertility supplement. You need to take the supplement for a minimum of 3 months as this is how long new sperm cells take to mature. Continue with this lifestyle until you have achieved pregnancy. 2. Time your intercourse around the day of your ovulation. Have intercourse the day before ovulation, twice on the day of ovulation and a fourth time the morning after ovulation day. Your partner should abstain for 3 days before this so his first orgasm has elevated semen volume. You need to learn to exactly predict your small ovulation time window so use multiple techniques simultaneously. I recommend Body Basal Temperature + tracking you cycle with an app (just google “best Period Tracking App”) + urine strips to measure your “LH-surge”. Do your own research. 3. Stay positive and enjoy the journey with your partner. Best of luck

Dear Nitin, your count is too low at 16 million / ml (minimum is 20) and your active motility is too low at 20% (minimum 32%). Your morphology is good. You can still father a child. Just make sure your lifestyle is clean, you get your intercourse timing perfect and you take a male fertility supplement for 3 months plus, i.e. please follow my usual advice. Bets of luck!

Dear Oba, you have not provided all the necessary info to enable me to give you a basic assessment: the number for morphology/%-normal forms is missing and should be a minimum of 4%. However, your count is low: this should be at least 20 million (i.e. 20×10’6), whereas yours is 6.8 and therefore only 30% of the WHO minimum. Please follow my usual advice. Best of luck!

Hello,
My wife is having ovulation induction and I was asked to do a semen analysis. I am 32 and fit and healthy. The results are as follows:
Volume 4.8ml
Number of sperm/ml 26.1 10*6/ml
% progressive motility 40%
% total motility 56%
Time from ejaculation to test 80 mins
Viscosity normal
Acidity 8.0
Nucleated cells not sperm <0.1
Vitality 90%
1% normal forms seem

I am worried about the % normal forms seen. Can you advise please? Should I repeat the test. We are waiting to see the doctor again.

Yes Gavin, Both your count and motility are in the green zone, but not by a great margin (the minimum for count is 20million/ml, i.e. you are 30% above that; and the minim for progressive motility is 32%, ice, you are approx. 25% above that) – keep in mind that it is not unusual to see sperm counts in the area of 100million/ml+. Now, your morphology, i.e. % normal forms is 1% and the WHO official minimum is 4%, i.e. you have 75% less normally shapes forms. I strongly recommend following my usual advice: lead the cleanest lifestyle you can, get your intercourse timing spot on, take the best male fertility supplement you can afford for a minimum of 3 months and ideally until a pregnancy has been achieved. Consider yoga and mindfulness meditation (MBSR) – it will all help. After 3 months of supplements, do a further semen analysis and hopefully your parameters will have improved. Enjoy the journey. Best of luck!

Dear Mohdi, both your count and motility are somewhat low: your total count of 48 million in 2ml means 19 million per ml. The minimum is 20m/ml so you are 5% below, i.e. not much. Secondly, your active motility at 20% is 37% below the WHO minimum of 32% (I hope that makes sense). Now, the really good news is that your morphology is very high at 70% (the accepted minimum is 5% so you are 1300% above that!). In my book this easily compensates for “suboptimal” motility and count, because your “total motile sperm count” is still high: 19m/ml x 70% normal forms x 20% active motile = 2.66 million normally shaped motile sperm cells per ml. The WHO minimum is 20m/ml sperm count x 32% active motile x 5% normal shapes = 320,000. You therefore have 8.31 times the amount of quality sperm cells per ml. I therefore conclude that you are a fertile man. Keep in mind, however, that semen analysis results strongly fluctuate. To father a child please follow my usual advise on lifestyle, intercourse timing and supplements. I hope this helps.

I would really appreciate your evaulation my husband’s semen analysis and any advice you could offer. He is 32 years old and very healthy – I have no idea if either of the following could be affecting his semen quality: a) marathon running (he wasn’t actively training when the semen analysis was done, but will usually go for a 2 hour run once a week and several shorter runs) or b) fairly high stress job. My own hormonal panel was normal appearing.

Dear Julie, his volume and concentration (count) are both high, which is good news. His motility is a little low at 5%, because 4% is the WHO minimum. He is still above that, however, and his count and volume more than compensates for that. His pH is high, which could indicate an infection, but that may not affect his overall fertility. Unfortunately, I am not able to make sense out of the information you provided for Forward Progression, because it is missing a % reading of how much % of his sperm is able to move progressively in a straight line. Would you be able to contact the laboratory and supply this important piece of information? Low sperm motility is a frequent cause of sub-optimal male fertility. In response to your lifestyle query: No, marathon running is unlikely to affect his fertility negatively. Quite the contrary: it is likely to reduce his stress levels and improve his cardiovascular fitness, both important indicators for good male fertility.

Dear Sarah, his count / ml and motility are both excellent at 500% and 200% WHO minimums. His morphology is on the edge being exactly at the WHO minimum of 4% meaning just about acceptable. Yes, his volume is far too low and should be about 3 times as high (approx 2.5ml+). Did he abstain for 3 days before he gave the sample? This is crucial to elevate volume. My advice would be two-fold: 1. start taking extra Arginine immediately and going forward until you are pregnant. Arginine is known to effectively elevate sperm volume (refer to studies on this page). It is included in most male fertility supplements. 2. Stop taking the Finasteride immediately. The scientific evidence on its effect on male fertility is inconclusive (reference here), but lots of studies have been done and many arguments made. He should stop taking it – again, until you are pregnant – just to eliminate this potentially compromising factor. I hope this all makes sense. Best of luck!

Dear John, your count is fine (200% of minimum) and your morphology is superb (1800% of minimum), however, your motility is slightly low (60% of WHO minimum). Don’t be too concerned, because 1. your morphology is so high that it compensates for the low motility, 2. you can still very much father a child (at any time!), your chances are just slightly lower and 2. you can do many things to increase your motility (refer to article). My advice is the usual: take the right supplements, live a clean lifestyle and get the ovulation-intrcourse timing perfect. Finally, never forget that the semen analysis is just a snapshot and that the readings can change dramatically within days / weeks. I would make the above changes and do another semen analysis in 3 months time. In the meantime, learn to meditate (try MBSR), learn fertility yoga and enjoy he journey with a positive mindset. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Dear Nancy, your husband’s count is just above the WHO minimum (20 million / ml), which is positive. However, both progression and morphology are low. The minimum morphology should be 4% so your husband is only 1% under that (but 25% in absolute terms, I hope that makes sense). He progressive motility is very low, because the WHO minimum is 32%. Your husband only has 16th of the minimum number of motile sperm per ml of semen (or 94% of what he needs as a minimum).
He is therefore classified as “statistically” subfertile, however this means: 1. he can still father a child, his chances are just lower and 2. he can do many things to increase his count, motility (refer to this article) and morphology / % normal forms. My advice is the usual: take the right supplements, 3. live a clean lifestyle and get the ovulation-intercourse timing perfect (google is your friend). Finally, never forget that the semen analysis is just a snapshot and that the readings can change dramatically within days / weeks. I would make the above changes and do another semen analysis in 3 months time. In the meantime, 4. learn to meditate (try MBSR), learn fertility yoga and 5. enjoy the journey with a positive mindset. If natural fertilisation fails after 18 or so months, ICSI could be a strategy to conceive artificially. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Dear Madam, on paper your husband is a fertile man, because all the key parameters (count, shapes and movement) are above the WHO requirements (400%, 30% and 100% respectively). The doctor may have been referring to something else other than his fertility readings. Kind regards, Dr. Jones

Dear Josh, your count is high (minimum is 20million/mL so you are 500% above that), your morphology is ok (minimum is 4% so you are 20% above that), but your progressive motility is low at 4%. The latter should be in the region of 30%+ (please refer to our dedicated article). My suggestion would be to clarify your 88% motility reading with your lab: does the 88% represent total motility (Grade A+B+C)? If the answer is yes, you need to know what the reading for Grade B motility is. If this is 25-30%+ you are in the fully fertile range. If your Grade B motility is lower, you would be classified as “statistically” subfertile, which means: 1. you can still very much father a child (at any time!), your chances are just slightly lower and 2. you can do many things to increase your motility (refer to article). My advice is the usual: take the right supplements, live a clean lifestyle and 3. get the ovulation-intrcourse timing perfect. Finally, never forget that the semen analysis is just a snapshot and that the readings can change dramatically within days / weeks. I would make the above changes and do another semen analysis in 3 months time. In the meantime, 4. learn to meditate (try MBSR), learn fertility yoga and 6. enjoy the journey with a positive mindset. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Hello!:) my husband went for his second analysis.. the first one had showed low sperm volume and morphology at 4% hence the second test after he took the additional vitamin supplements. These are the results:
days of abstinence- 5
Volume- 2.4ml
Viscosity: normal
Density(x10^6/ml):127.2
total sperm ejaculate:305.2 x 10^6
Motility(%):43.0
progression (0-4/4): 2-3/4 (60:40)
Morphology(%)- Normal forms:2
– head defects:80
-neck defects:10
– tail defects:8
cells(x10^6)/ml):5.9
MAR TEST: IGA:negative,IgG:25.9% head
comment: poor morphology

is this maybe down to poor diet?He is taking L’arginine and vitamins. he also takes Diazepam for PTSD. Should he be seeing a fertility specialist or make changes and wait for a new analysis? He is talking about IVF at this point.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated:) Thank you in advance!

Hi – I just got my results back and do not have a doctor appointment for another week but am very worried about the results. Mainly, concerned about the low motility rate (although the total motile sperm seems OK), the 5% normal morphology and the viscosity and progression. Please advise, if you can it would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

Dear Murad, your volume is good, your count is excellent (700% of WHO minimum), your morphology is fine (25% over the WHO minimum of 4%), only your motility is slightly low (should be 32%+). I would argue that your excellent count more than makes up for the slightly reduced motility, because your Total Motile Sperm Count is still excellent. Overall you are therefore a fertile man and should have no problems fathering a child. Nevertheless, 1. do read the article on how to improve motility and do consider taking a supplement with Pine Bark Extract as that has been shown to boost overall fertility especially in cases of idiopathic infertility (i.e. all seems clear, but still no pregnancy). 2. make sure you get your ovulation-intercourse timing spot on (google is your friend), 3. follow all the usual advise on a clean, healthy lifestyle and 4. keep in mind that a semen analysis is just a snapshot and can differ significantly from one week to the next. Good luck!

Please if you can review below report and advise accordingly.
Is there any simple way to get more active sperms?
is 35% really low active sperm?
2 years before there was 60% active sperm and now they are 35% , we are trying for baby from last one year. Is low active sperms because of more sex because we are trying for baby?

Dear Ali, your parameters are all good: 35% active sperm is above the WHO minimum of 32% so you are fine. Your count and volume are also good. Unfortunately you have not provided your %-normal forms / morphology. As long as that is above 4% you are a fertile man. COQ forte looks ok, because it includes the antioxidant Co-enzyme Q10. However, I would rather focus on improving your motility (read article here) with Carnitine, Vitamin C + E + D. Keep up the good diet (esp nuts and eat lots of green vegetables) and get your ovulation-intercourse timing perfect (google is your friend). Best of luck!

Dear doctor that’s my result of my semen aynasis I have copy all as mentioned on my result pepper pls explained well to me if I can make a child thanks waiting to hear from u pls u can also forward it my email tks

Dear Buma, your volume is good, your count is excellent (almost 500% of WHO minimum), your morphology is excellent, only your motility is low: it should be 32%, but yours is 15% and therefore less than half. I would argue that your good count makes up to an extend for the reduced motility, because your Total Motile Sperm Count is still good. Overall you are therefore not infertile. Nevertheless, 1. do read the article on how to improve motility and do consider taking a supplement with Pine Bark Extract as that has been shown to boost overall fertility especially in cases of idiopathic infertility (i.e. all seems clear, but still no pregnancy). 2. make sure you get your ovulation-intercourse timing spot on (google is your friend), 3. follow all the usual advise on a clean, healthy lifestyle and 4. keep in mind that a semen analysis is just a snapshot and can differ significantly from one week to the next. Good luck!

Dear Sir, all your keys readings are above the WHO minimums and you should therefore have no problems fathering a child. Keep in mind that it is still a numbers / probability game so make sure your diet is clean (do consider supplements if you are actively trying to make sure your sperm has the best possible quality) and get the intercourse-ovulation-timing right. Google / youtube is your friend. Best of luck!

Dear Brian, your count is at the minimum acceptable level (20 million/ml), your motility is 30% below he minimum (actively motile should be 32%+) and you have not provided a morphology reading, which should be at a minimum of 4% “normal forms”. At the very least you will have to improve your motility – please refer to this article. Best of luck!

I know that some factors are missing, but this is what I have in the result. I have also grade 1 varicocele, which I’m going to a repair surgery in July, but I’m worried because I don’t know by that time my situation will be even worse? Do you think that I need an urgent surgery?
Thanks,

Hadi, I cannot tell you if you need urgent surgery. Please discuss this with your urologist or fertility consultant in person. The good news is that you are perfectly fertile according to these stats. Your Grade A motility could be higher, but your Grade B is good, which compensates: A+B should be > 32% and yours is 45%. If you have been trying to father a child unsuccessfully so far, please follow the usual advise: 1. perfect intercourse-ovulation timing (check google / youtube), 2. a clean lifestyle and take a male fertility supplement. To improve your motility specifically, please refer to this article. Best of luck!

Dear Prav, your motility and count are very good. Your morphology / percent normal forms is far too low unfortunately. This number needs to be higher than 4%, and with under 1% you are more than 300% away from that number. I hope that makes sense. You do compensate with your high count and motility numbers and you are therefore not infertile, but from a statistical point of view your probability of fathering a child is significantly reduced. You do need to do something to increase your morphology and I would start with a dedicated male fertility supplement, which will give your body the nutrients to grow lots of high quality sperm cells. Also, your sperm volume could be higher – for this I would recommend longer abstinence (3 days should do the job) and a regular additional Arginine (either via a pure Arginine or combination supplement – see our comparison). In summary, I recommend you best go for a dedicated supplement like Fertil M pro or fertilsan for a minimum 3 months and ideally until your partner is pregnant, because your body needs the nutrients on an ongoing basis. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

I got told by all the hospitals that I have been to can’t help me because ever since I was born I got told I could never have kids because my sperm is dead and I have a very low sperm count and no matter how hard I try I will never be able to have kids, would these tablets​ help me make a baby and will they also help me make my sperm move.

Dear Scott, supplements help improve sperm quality, but will unlikey help if you have necrospermia (low percentage of live sperm and a high percentage of immotile spermatozoa in semen). You need to discuss this with a fertility specialist, who may suggest further diagnosis and potentially treatments or artificial fertilisation. Have a look at our page of the Top 5 fertility clinics in the UK. Best of luck!

Your Motility and Morphology are both too low. Active + Sluggish Motility needs to be 32%+ (yours is 30 so you are close), but your Morphology is less than 25% of the minimum (the official threshold is 4%). If you have had a full diagnosis I am confident you can improve this data by turning around your lifestyle, nutrition & implement careful intercourse timing. ICSI and IVF are alternatives, but I would try everything to maximise your chance for natural fertilisation first. Best of luck!

these are the only numbers on my lab results
My Dr. office has recommended that I increase my ejaculation schedule and resubmit for testing in 2 months. I’m trying to understand what the normal/abnormal rates mean. My first Dr. did not do a good job on my first procedure and as a result the second procedure took over an hour. I really don’t want to have a third. This site is one of the few places to get this kind of feedback.

Dear Jonathan, thank you for getting in touch. Your semen volume is normal, because the WHO minimum is 2 ml of semen per ejaculation. Your sperm count / ml is “abnormal” (meaning below the official minimum WHO thresholds), because it is below the WHO minimum of 20 million / ml (your sperm count is 30% of that with 6.8 million ml – at least this is how I read the data you have provided). Your motility (measuring the percentage of progressively forward moving sperm) is also “abnormal” with because 15%, because you would need 32% to have a “normal” parameter. The final reading “Grade” seems to relate to morphology / %-normal forms. The minimum for this is normally 4%, but some sources accept 3-4% as the normal range. In conclusion, you need to try to increase your sperm count and sperm motility. I suggest you follow all the usual advice (clean diet, no smoking, little or no alcohol, male fertility supplement, regular low impact exercise – this will take 90 days to take full effect, because this is how long new sperm cells need to mature) and make sure you time your intercourse carefully around your partner’s ovulation date. All the relevant info can be found in the links. Don’t forget that while your numbers are low you can still conceive, because it just takes 1 sperm! You therefore need to work on maximising the probability. I hope this helps & makes sense. Best of luck! Regards, Dr Jones

I think you misunderstand. This is post vasectomy. I have two children and wish to no longer be fertile. I’m trying to determine if this vasectomy was at least somewhat successful and that I will not need a third.

Apologies Jonathan, I did indeed misunderstand. Let me put it this way: the ejaculation analysed still had 2.5 ml x 6.8 million sperm / ml x 15% motile sperm with (x) 3.5% normal morphology = 89,250 motile and normally shaped sperm! If your objective was to become infertile, this has not been achieved. Following from this, if your aim is to *not* father a child, you will have to use contraception, because you are still ejaculating healthy sperm cells fully capable of fertilising an egg. Alternatively, I suggest you look at another surgeon. Best of luck!

Dear Pramod, two issues: firstly, your sperm count is 20% below the WHO minimum benchmark of 20 million / ml. Secondly, your active motility is very low – it should be 32%. You can learn more about supplements here. The recommendation is to adopt a clean living lifestyle and take a male fertility supplement. Best of luck!

Hello! thank you in advance for checking my partners results..
He is taking medication for PTSD, 10 mg Diazepham but also 1 x 200 mg Disulfiram which I am concerned about as have heard this is can affect sperm quality and maybe he should come off for the next 3 months ( until our next IVF cycle).. he is taking lots of vitamins, including D, L.arginine, Vit C etc..
Days of abstinence: 5
Volume:2.4
Density: (x10^6/ml) 98.7
Total Sperm Count(10^6):78.9
Motility(%):64
Progression(0-4/4):2-3/4 (60:40)
Morphology(%)- Normal forms:4
– Head defects:73
-Neck Defects:19
-Tall defects:4
Cells (x10^6ml):5.9

Dear Viv, good news – according to these numbers your partner is fertile. The short answer about your concerns is yes, when in doubt, (if he can) he should come off any medication, which has side effects potentially affecting his fertility. Do your research online and discuss it with your fertility specialist. Keep in mind that he will need to come off the medication for as long as possible. It takes the body three months to grow new sperm cells from scratch. Best of luck!

Hi, thank you for your response. I have done so much research and I also came back with normal results. The reason I’m questioning it is because my Doctor said his results came back bad and he didn’t give no explanation. You think I’m better off looking for a new doctor?

Dear Jam, good news – all your key parameters are well above the minimum thresholds and you should have no problem fathering a child. Follow the advice on this page to make sure you time your intercourse carefully around her ovulation date. Best of luck!

Dear Jeswane, your husband’s sperm shapes / morphology are fine (WHO minimum for normal shapes is 4% and he has 20%), however his sperm count is too low (65% below the WHO minimum of 20 million / ml. Tips here) and his motility is too low (5% + 15% = 20%, i.e. 30% below WHO minimum of A+B progression = 32%. Read these tips). I recommend the usual: adopt a very clean lifestyle (no fast foods, alcohol or cigarettes; lots of regular low impact exercise; yoga & meditation + learn to sleep well) + the best male fertility supplement you can afford + learn to track your ovulation & time your intercourse carefully. Remember that semen analyses can fluctuate widely within weeks + any measures he takes now will only improve his semen in three months time as the body takes this long to produce new sperm cells from scratch. Do this for 18 months before you seek advise artificial fertilisation techniques. I hope this all makes sense. Best of luck!

Hi i need help i need someone to read my husband semen analysis because he said the doctor told him that he is candidate for sperm donor but after 7mos of trying to conceive is still failed i doubt that the doctor told him is true this is his semen result.

Dear Leila, according to these numbers your husband is very fertile, indeed. Do not get impatient if you have not conceived naturally within 12 months. Make sure you learn to determine your exact ovulation date and time your intercourse according to this strategy – https://menfertility.org/fertility-window-what-you-need-to-know/. Best of luck!

I am very confused because I have a result on one measure (viability) that seems to be inconsistent with my other results (in particular motility). The total motility in my sample was 73%, with 53% progressive, but the viability measure was only 57%. Is that possible or does that suggest an error in the way the viability measure was assessed – e.g. the lab took too long to do that test? Can I really have sperm that are moving but are dead?

Dear Paul, no you cannot have sperm that are moving and dead! Motility is normally measured in 4 categories (A to D) and some of your sperm will be grade C (motile, but not progressive and therefore not viable) or grade D (non-motile and therefore not viable either). Your overall readings are very good and you are thus statistically fertile, so: make sure your time intercourse carefully around ovulation, live a clean lifestyle, keep trying and stay positive. Best of luck!

Dear Hadi, your sperm count is high (6 times the minimum), however your abnormal shapes however are high too. This should not be higher than 96%. You therefore have half the minimum normally shaped cells whilst your motility is just below (1%) the WHO minimum of 36% progressive. My take on this is that your high sperm count easily offsets your low morphology whilst your motility is borderline. Your TMS (Total Motile Sperm) count is still above the WHO mimumum. make sure you time intercourse carefully around ovulation and stay positive. Do live the healthiest lifestyle you possibly can and do look at taking a male fertility supplement too and your readings may well improve (do another test 3 months after cleaning up your lifestyle). Best of luck!

Dear Tony, in short: you are fertile. Your motility could be higher (the WHO minimum is 32%), but your normal morphology is high (minimum is 4%, you have 70%, i.e. 17.5 times the minimum) and your count is high at 80 million (WHO minimum is 20 million, i.e. you have four times the minimum count). My argument is therefore that your high count and morphology/%-normal forms easily offset your slightly low motility.

If you are looking to father a child as soon as possible, please follow my usual advice: 1. take a supplement (learn about specific motility-boosting nutrients here), 2. lead a very clean lifestyle (keep in mind that any changes take three months to affect the ejaculated sperm, because that is how long they need to grow), i.e. minimal meats and alcohol, no smoking, no fast foods, lots of greens etc, 3. make sure you carefully time intercourse around ovulation, 4. enjoy the process (consider taking up Ashtanga yoga and/or meditation for flexibility, strength and calmness). Best of luck!

Dear Senthil, Your key readings are above the WHO minimums so you are statistically fertile. Your motility and morphology, however, are only just above these minimums so do follow our normal advice to improve your odds of conceiving quickly (clean diet/lifestyle, male fertility supplement, perfect intercourse timing). Best of luck!

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 1.5 years. This is his repeat semen analysis after two weeks of antibiotics for increased WBC. The previous WBC was 6.0 million/ml and the round cells were 6 cells/40x objective. Is there anything here that would indicate any form of male factor infertility??

Dear Amy, his count is excellent, motility very good, only his morphology / abnormal forms stands out at 95%. This is close to the WHO minimum of 96%, i.e. 4% normal forms. Assuming you have done everything else right (precise intercourse timing around ovulation?) at this stage I would suggest (1) start taking food supplements, which specifically improve morphology (200 mg/day Pine Bark Extract, 200 µg selenium + 400 IU Vitamin E + Vitamin D) and (2) investigate DNA damage on sperm. I can see that you are based in the US so I cannot suggest an address, but perhaps investigate something similar to https://examenlab.com, which is UK-based. Best of luck!

Dear Doctor,
Am Joe from Ghana West Africa, my wife & i have tried making family,
but because of me experiencing low sperm count its been difficult to have a baby now.
its been 2yrs now and its really worrying me as i love to give her twins lol.
Please how can i get some of Fertilsan M.. thank you ..

Dear James, you are statistically fertile: your sperm count and your morphology are 400% and 1200% the WHO minimum thresholds respectively, i.e. very good. Only your motility is slightly (8%) below par, because it should be 32% progressively motile. I therefore recommend you take a sperm motility supplement (read more here) or general male fertility supplement, live the cleanest lifestyle you can and closely follow the intercourse timing strategy. Best of luck!

DEAR SIR/MADAM,
PLEASE REVIEW AND GUIDE ME BY MY ANALYSIS REPORT. I AM CONFUSED AS WHY IS VIABILITY IS N/A AND IN COMMENT ITS WRITTEN THAT INAPPROPRIATE ABSTINENCE. WE JUST GOT A CALL THAT EVERYTHING IS NORMAL BUT I AM UNABLE TO REACH THEM PERSONALLY FOR MY CONFUSION. YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.THANK YOU!

Dear Abby, according to the data you have supplied thistle is fertile. Count and mobility are well above the WHO minimum values, only Normals Forms (%) are just above the minimum, but this is easily compensated by a very high sperm count (400% of the minimum). I hope this makes sense. Best of luck!

Dear Elisha, do you have more detail on the motility / forward progression? Normally this parameter is subdivided into degrees of motility. The count is 50% above the WHO minimum (20million/ml), which is good, although this reading can be volatile on a weekly or monthly basis depending on environmental influences. The %-normal forms, however, is 50% below the WHO minimum of 4%. The following nutrients have been shown to improve morphology: 2000 mg/day vitamin C increases sperm count by 129% in 2 months, 200 mg/day Pine Bark Extract improves sperm morphology by 38% in 90 days, 200 µg selenium + 400 IU Vitamin E improved motility, morphology or both in 53% of patients over 14 weeks. Finally, normal Vitamin D (men low in vitamin D also have lower sperm counts) levels generally help with normal male fertility. To ensure vitamin D levels are normal please get them tested. Consider taking a male fertility combination supplement for a minimum of three months and beyond until conception and make sure you time your intercourse very carefully around your exact ovulation date. I hope that helps. Best of luck!

Dear imranN, your volume, sperm count and morphology are very good, which easily compensate for your slightly low motility (excellent + good should be 32% or higher in sum, you are therefore 2% under). In summary, I would say that you are fully fertile. If you are actively trying to conceive, make sure you time your intercourse carefully the female’s ovulation date (track her cycle carefully using multiple methods in parallel such as body basal temperature, cervical mucus and urine strips). I hope this all makes sense. Best of luck!

Dear ImraN, I think you will be fine. Just make sure your partner is also doing her homework, discusses your wish to conceive with her gynaecologist and tracks her ovulation date carefully. Bets of luck!